Iraqi Security Forces intensify operations against ISIS in lead up to elections

TIKRIT and NINEVEH, Iraq / BAGHDAD — Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) across Iraq continue to pursue and arrest leaders and members of the Islamic State (ISIS). Over the last several days, ISF were able to kill three ISIS members in the city of Tikrit following a raid on their hideout.

In Baghdad, a force from the Intelligence and Counter-Terrorism Directorate, in accordance with Article 4 of the Terrorism Law, arrested two ISIS suspects in an ambush in the southeast of the city.

The Security Media Cell declared that another ISIS suspect was also arrested northeast of Baghdad. Nine other ISIS suspects were arrested, wanted according to various legal articles, and four others accused of drug dealing and impersonation.

In Nineveh, the police command announced the arrests of four ISIS members who were working in the Diwan al-Jund and General Camps during ISIS control over Mosul.

In the village of Sheikh Maarouf, outside Nineveh, security forces arrested an ISIS operative working to set booby-traps.

Despite these intense security operations, the U.S.-led International Coalition are still being targeted on an almost daily basis. Three Coalition convoys were targeted with improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the governorates of Al-Muthanna, Babylon, and south of Baghdad. The damage was only material.

These developments and security tensions have not thwarted the Iraqi government’s efforts to hold parliamentary elections in the country. Iraqi Cabinet spokesperson Hasan Nazim confirmed that the elections would be held as scheduled on 10 October.

During a press conference, Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi confirmed that the government would not give up on holding the elections on time, denying circulated information that indicated they would be postponed.

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